Methadone Effects

Methadone does not produce only a single desired effect, the ease of withdrawal
from heroin. Patients on methadone maintenance report a wide range of methadone
effects. A long list of methadone's effects has be compiled and are presented
below. Some of these methadone effects are easily mistaken as withdrawal symptoms
or as other medical conditions. Methadone is not an innocent substance; 'one's
methadone maintenance dose is another's poison'. A regular user of opiates develops
a certain tolerance. Therefore, it is possible that a tolerant person can function
normally with dosages which can be fatal to a non-tolerant person.

Like all opiates, methadone crosses the placenta to the unborn child. Many
of the babies born to methadone-dependent mothers go through withdrawal at birth.
Their symptoms vary in length and strength. These can be successfully treated
while the baby is still in hospital. Overall, women using methadone have fewer
problems during their pregnancy than those who continue to use heroin. As small
amounts of methadone may be passed on through breast milk, mothers that are
on a methadone program are often encouraged to breastfeed in order to help ease
the baby's withdrawal from methadone.

Methadone Effects

Sweating is often increased, especially at night.

Constipation is quite common. Drink plenty of water and eat more fruit,
vegetables, wholemeal and bran products.

Aching muscles and joints may be experienced, even when the dose of
methadone is adequate. Some people report rheumatism-type aches and
pains at various times.

Lowered sex drive is experienced with the use of any opioid, including
methadone and heroin. However, this may settle down.

Skin rashes and itching are experienced by some people.

Sedation (for example, drowsiness, especially soon after a dose).

Fluid retention causing swelling or puffiness of the hands or
feet.

Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Abdominal pain (cramps) may occur.

Tooth decay Methadone, like all opioids, reduces production of saliva.
Saliva contains antibacterial agents which help prevent deterioration of teeth
and gums. Poor or irregular diet and inadequate dental care also contribute
to tooth decay. Regular brushing and chewing sugar-free gum can prevent
tooth decay.

Changes to periods (menstruation) Many women have irregular periods
when they use heroin or other opiates. For some women, their menstrual cycle
returns to normal during methadone treatment, whereas others continue to have
irregular periods while on methadone. When starting a methadone program,
it is important to think about contraception, as you may start having periods
again, and be at risk of getting pregnant.

Other Potential Complications Due to Methadone's Effects Include:

runny nose, sneezing

abdominal cramps

feeling physically weak

loss of appetite

tremors

muscle spasm and jerking

goose bumps

tears

nausea/vomiting

yawning

diarrhea

back and joint aches

high temperature but feeling cold

sweating

irritability/aggression/feelings of uneasiness

difficulty sleeping and

cravings for the drug

drowsiness/nodding off

nausea/vomiting

shallow breathing

pinpoint pupils

below normal drop in body temperature

slow blood pulse, lowered blood pressure

heart palpitations

dizziness

problems with sexual functioning and

poor blood circulation

sweating (clients should drink at least two liters of water per day to avoid
dehydration)

constipation

aching muscles and joints

lowered sex drive

skin rashes and itching

sedation

fluid retention

loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting

abdominal cramps

tooth decay

irregular periods

Drug Facts

Crystal meth effects are similar to those of cocaine but with more power and intensity.

Since about 1990, GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) has been abused in the U.S. for its euphoric, sedative, and anabolic (body building) effects. It is a central nervous system depressant that was widely available over-the-counter in health food stores during the 1980s and until 1992.

Physical addiction is characterized by the presence of tolerance (needing more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect).